Review of Visbiome, Formerly VSL#3

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VSL#3 lost the license to the their probiotic formula. Now, Visbiome uses the exact old VSL#3 formula that was clinically proven in many research studies…and has legions of fans who could only find relief with VSL#3.

I spoke with the Marc Tewey, the CEO of Visbiome, and he assured me that Visbiome’s probiotic strains are exactly the same as the old VSL#3…they even use the exact same Italian factory that produced VSL#3 before.

4 Reasons You Should Buy Visbiome VSL#3

I’m happy that Visbiome has taken over the VSL#3 formula because my review of VSL#3 was extremely positive. Here are 4 strong reasons for taking Visbiome.

Optimized for digestive health

Many individuals with sensitive stomachs or other inflammatory bowel conditions rely on Visbiome to provide their digestive systems with a daily reinforced boost of powerful probiotics to increase digestive capacity and daily comfort. My friend’s wife was able to going into remission from Chrons by taking Visbiome VSL#3 and eating correctly.

Super strong

Visbiome is one of the strongest probiotics around. At 450 billion CFU, it was the first “mega-strong” probiotic on the market. There is even a prescription only version that has 900 billion CFU per dose.

Extensively studied

Visbiome is one of the few probiotic products that has extensive clinical research study behind it.

Even if you do not have any preexisting digestive issues, the beneficial bacteria contained in Visbiome VSL#3 can optimize gut function leading to enhanced nutrient intake.

4 Reasons Not To Take Visbiome

This review of Visbiome wouldn’t be complete without telling you who shouldn’t take this probiotic.

Here are 4 reasons Visbiome may not be right for you:

Too expensive

At around $72 per month, that means this probiotic will cost you $864 per year. You get what you pay for, but that will be cost prohibitive for many.

Too strong

If a product is too strong for you, you may experience probiotic side effects. Over the counter versions of Visbiome contain up to 450 billion CFU per serving. To put that in perspective, Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic contains less than 1 billion per serving…and some people complain of side effects with 450x weaker probiotics.

Refrigeration

This product requires refrigeration which may not be appropriate for people who travel frequently.

Trace amounts of dairy

Though this product does not contain gluten or soy, it has trace amounts of dairy.

On their website they say Visbiome contains this much dairy per capsule:

0.01 g lactose per 200 capsules

Refrigeration Requirements

Visbiome contains temperature sensitive live bacteria, so it needs to be refrigerated to ensure these bacteria stay potent to deliver their beneficial digestive effect. However, for those traveling or unable to meet this requirement, Visbiome may be kept at room temperature for up to 1 week without damaging its effectiveness.

Visbiome now has temperature sensitive packaging. So you can tell if Visbiome got too hot over time.

Probiotic Formula

All Visbiome products use the same exact blend of probiotic strains. They’ve been tested in over 60 medical food human clinical trials. You probably recognize that these probiotic strains are exactly the same ones as in the old VSL#3 formula.

What Probiotic Strains Are in Visbiome?

Here are the 8 strains they use:

Lactobacillus paracasei DSM 24733

Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 24730

Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 24735

Lactobacillus helveticus DSM 24734

Bifidobacterium longum DSM 24736

Bifidobacterium infantis DSM 24737

Bifidobacterium breve DSM 24732

Bifidobacterium thermophilus DSM 24731

Product Options

There are currently 2 product options for purchasing Visbiome. You can take it as a capsule, or as an unflavored powder. VSL#3 used to have more options, so I’m sure that Visbiome will follow suit soon.

Visbiome Powder

The powder form of this product is flavorless, mixes well, and can be put in any drink that isn’t hot. Boiling hot coffee or tea will kill some of the expensive bacteria in this product. For best results, I would mix this in room temp water, or non iced drinks. Refrigerator temperature drinks are okay too.

Inactive Ingredients in Packets

Other than the 450 billion probiotic bacteria cells (CFU) in each pouch, they also have some cornstarch in the powder. I assume it’s because it mixes well.

Visbiome Capsules

Inactive Ingredients in Capsules

As far as I can tell, the first 4 ingredients are used for a) making the capsule machines run smoother b) improving consistency of the dose put into each capsule. I think there is no solid evidence that these substances are harmful. Though I wouldn’t take them just for fun.

The 5th inactive ingredient is just a normal veggie capsule.

Microcrystalline cellulose

stearic acid

silicon dioxide

magnesium sterate

vegetable capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)

Dietary Considerations

Extremely trace amounts of diary:

Visbiome is classified as a gluten-free food, but contains extremely trace amounts of dairy products…you would consume 1/100th of a gram of diary in 3 months of taking the product.

Vegetarian – .003 grams of diary from being vegan

Additionally, the capsule casing is composed of a 99.9999% plant-based material, meeting the preferences of those individuals committed to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Sugar free

The capsule and plain flavored versions of this product do not contain any sugar.

I have diverticulitis and had a perforated colon – this product is incredible. I’ve also used Dr. O’Hirra’s with amazing results. I rotate between the 2 because I don’t want to get too acclimated to one. These 2 probiotics have changed my life for the better!

Tried to purchase VSL#3 at Costco yesterday and was told the company has stopped all shipments and has advised that people should search for an alternative via their doctor. I can’t find any published problems with the product but this does not sound good. Although vsl #3 has worked well for me for the last couple of years…now need to find another product…ugh.

I’ve had IBS since I was 12 and diagnosed with diverticulitis about 7 years ago. This product has helped immensely, but now there is a problem with the wholesaler who supplies the CVS stores and I can no longer get it locally. Trying to find a equivalent substitute.

VSL#3 was undergoing a lawsuit because the original creator claimed they changed his formula. The original formula that garnered all the clinical studies is now sold with his approval under a new product, Visbiome.

At my doctor’s recommendation, I’ve started taking one VSL3 capsule per day for IBS. After 4 days, it is beginning to stabilize my bowel functions—no diarrhea or constipation. But the gas and associated abdominal bloating discomfort are terrible! Has anyone had this problem? Does it go away after taking VSL 3 for awhile?

I was told by a Costco pharmacist that the original maker had sold the formula to another company, and the new company wanted to change the formula, which the original owner did not want to happen, and there was even a lawsuit. A lot of us are going to be scrambling to find something that works as well as VSL#3.

I would say so. Visbiome uses the old manufacturing process that VSL#3 used to use. This is exactly the same as the old VSL#3 manufacturing process and should be the exact same product that had all the great supporting studies. Click this link to find Visbiome on Amazon.

To folks wondering why they can’t get vsl from Amazon the founder of the original formula created visbiome, pre 2016 vsl formula. I think vsl is now made in Italy and they changed the formula, there was a lawsuit since the claims made for vsl don’t apply to the new formula, all the studies, etc… I got an RX for visbiome 900 billion from my doctor and since it’s a medical food it is covered by my insurance. The retail value is $205. I was originally told by my pharmacy that my insurance doesn’t cover probiotics, but with more searching they realized this is covered. Just letting ppl know since this probiotics is kinda a big deal and i think many folks aren’t able to take a therapeutic dosage due to the cost. My co-pay is $3.